Chemistry teacher goes the extra mile with extracurriculars and coaching Knowledge Bowl
When Adams State School of Education faculty was looking to select the first recipient of this school year to receive its Educator Highlight Award, it found the perfect selection in all-star Alamosa High teacher Erika Henderson.
The chemistry teacher at Alamosa High has taught more than 1,500 students in her 15 years at Alamosa High. More than one has remained in touch long after graduation to share their own successes and to keep her in their lives.
“We’re lucky to have her,” said Alamosa High Principal Amy Ortega.
Lucky, indeed.
A product herself of Alamosa High and Adams State, Erika Henderson is the teacher your kid tells you at the dinner table is “great to have” in the classroom. She shows up at sporting events, prepares students for academic knowledge bowl competitions, and understands that a teacher’s job isn’t limited to the classroom.
“What inspires me to be a teacher is really my students and the staff that I work with. It’s great to see those lightbulb moments of kids finally understanding something that’s been challenging to them,” she said in accepting the Adams State award.
“I struggled as a student and didn’t really figure it out until I was in college. So I want to have an impact on kids, of not being where I was and not feeling the frustration and having them be successful.”
Adams State is in its third academic year with the Educator Highlight Award presentations. Each one is special and different and a reflection of the talent inside the school buildings across the San Luis Valley.
To make a nomination of your favorite teacher, or school administrator, or even the custodian and cafeteria worker in your school, follow this link to submit the nomination.
“I remember the fun and engaging experiments that she had us do like burning different chemicals on Bunsen burners to find out the elements or taking the extra time to explain to me how conversions worked,” wrote Destiny Comstock in her nomination of Henderson.
“Mrs. Henderson has always been a kind and patient teacher,” Comstock said. “She really showed me the wonders of science. Without her I would not have passed Gen Chem in college. She took the time to show my class the skills that would be needed to pass Gen Chem in college.”
The Educator Highlight Award recognizes Adams State University School of Education alumni, prominent local teachers, and other educators working within or hailing from the San Luis Valley. In so doing, Adams State University hopes to build familiarity with the community as a serious destination for future educators.
Here’s a list of all the educators who have presented with the award from Adams State School of Education.
PAST EHA WINNERS
Presley Garcia, Monte Vista special education teacher
Nick Dionisio, Alamosa High English teacher
Aaron Miltenberger, Boys & Girls Club executive director
Anna Bishop, Center High School CLD teacher
Phyllis Vigil, Sierra Grande first-grade teacher
AlexAndria Moore-Guenter, Moffat Schools secondary counselor
Omar Gonzalez, Alamosa Elementary visual art and music teacher
Leanna Brazel, Alamosa Elementary kindergarten teacher
Freddy Lawrence, Alamosa Elementary custodian
Joe Guenther, South Conejos School District
Katie Turner, Del Norte math teacher
Edwin Mondragon, Monte Vista High School agriculture teacher
Aaron Williams, GOAL High School English teacher
Miriam Baines, Alamosa High School biology and math teacher
Rachel Kellum, Moffat Schools art teacher
Darlene Pinales, Sargent School District, food service staff member
Upward Bound summer faculty, Adams State University
Review of Awardees
ABOUT THE EDUCATOR HIGHLIGHT AWARD:
This monthly award recognizes Adams State University School of Education alumni, prominent local teachers, and other educators working within or hailing from the San Luis Valley. In so doing, Adams State University hopes to build familiarity with the community as a serious destination for future educators. Nominate an educator HERE.
